Pragati and Vikas Mascots Unveiled for Census 2027

Launch of Census 2027 Mascots

Pragati and Vikas Mascots Unveiled for Census 2027: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the official mascots “Pragati” and “Vikas” for Census 2027 in New Delhi. The launch also marked the introduction of several digital tools designed to modernize India’s population census system.

The mascots represent gender equality and inclusive participation in national development. Pragati, the female mascot, symbolizes progress, while Vikas, the male mascot, reflects development and growth. Together they serve as public awareness ambassadors for the upcoming census.

The initiative supports India’s long-term goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, coinciding with the 100th year of independence.

Static GK fact: India conducted its first synchronous nationwide census in 1881 under British administration.

India’s First Fully Digital Census

Census 2027 will be the first completely digital population census in India. The process was officially initiated through a Gazette Notification on 16 June 2025 by the Government of India.

The census operation will involve more than 30 lakh enumerators, supervisors, and officials, making it the largest data collection exercise in the world. Digital platforms developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will support the entire process.

For the first time, households will have the option of Self-Enumeration, allowing citizens to submit their data online before field verification.

Static GK Tip: Article 246 and Entry 69 of the Union List empower the Union Government to conduct the census in India.

Digital Platforms Supporting Census Operations

To ensure efficient data collection, the government introduced four major digital platforms for Digital Census India.

The Houselisting Block Creator (HLBC) is a web-based mapping tool that uses satellite imagery to create digital house listing blocks. This improves geographic accuracy and planning of enumeration areas.

The HLO Mobile Application enables enumerators to collect housing data directly from the field. The application works offline, supports Android and iOS, and is available in 16 regional languages.

The Self-Enumeration Portal allows households to submit their census information online. After submission, a Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) is generated, which enumerators later use to verify the information during field visits.

The Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) functions as a centralized digital dashboard. Officials at district, state, and national levels can monitor census progress in real time.

Two Phase Census Process

The Census 2027 exercise will take place in two phases across the country.

The first phase, known as Houselisting and Housing Census, will collect information on housing conditions, household amenities, and facilities. This phase will be conducted between 1 April 2026 and 30 September 2026.

An optional 15-day Self-Enumeration period will be provided before door-to-door surveys begin.

The second phase, called Population Enumeration, will take place in February 2027. This phase will record demographic, social, and economic details of every individual living in India. The survey will also include caste-related data collection.

Static GK fact: The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs conducts the national census.

Reference Dates for Population Data

The official reference time for Census 2027 will be 00:00 hours on 1 March 2027 for most states and union territories.

However, for Ladakh and snow-bound regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 1 October 2026 due to harsh weather conditions.

These reference points ensure uniformity in population data recording across India.

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Pragati and Vikas Mascots Unveiled for Census 2027: